PETERBOROUGH -- An Ontario and Quebec Regional Shinerama conference, sponsored by the Canadian Cystic Fibrosis Foundation (CCFF), will be at Trent University between July 9th and July 11th.

The conference brings together student volunteers who are organising Shinerama events on their respective campuses this fall. Shinerama is the largest fund-raiser for students in post-secondary education institutions. Over the past thirty-five years Shinerama has raised over $11 million for the CCFF and this year the national goal is $535 000.

Established in 1960 by a group of concerned parents, the Canadian Cystic Fibrosis Foundation sponsors extensive research and treatment programmes across Canada. The Foundation's ultimate objective is to discover a cure or an effective control for Cystic Fibrosis (CF).

Cystic Fibrosis is a fatal, inherited disorder that affects mainly the lungs and digestive system. About one in every twenty-five Canadians carry the gene, although they do not have the disease and can never get it. However, when both parents carry the gene, there is a twenty-five percent chance their child will be born with CF. Cystic Fibrosis kills more young Canadians than any other inherited disease.

The Trent conference is an opportunity for Shinerama organisers from across Ontario and Quebec to discuss campaign strategies and to assist one another in their campaigns. "Many ideas usually arise through the interaction and brainstorming with others, giving directors new energy, enthusiasm and focus that will help them get through the last-leg of Shinerama campaign planning." says Curtis Cartmill, Ontario and Quebec Regional Shinerama Director.

Trent University's Shinerama Co-Directors Christine Oastler and David Wallbridge are looking forward to the conference and to Shinerama this September . "Shinerama is an excellent opportunity for the Trent and Peterborough communities to work together for a fantastic cause." says David Wallbridge. Trent University is celebrating 5 years of Shinerama at Trent and is hoping to raise $12 000 this year to help fight Cystic Fibrosis and find a cure.

For more information contact Christine Oastler by telephone at (705) 750-0298 or via email at shinerama@trentu.ca.

-30-

Distribution: Peterborough, Regional